Cornfest 2011

When we moved to Haxtun, we didn't know what to think of Corn Festival.  The whole town gathers for this? Huh. Strange, we thought. But it didn't take long for the tradition to grow on us.

The first fall we lived in Haxtun (1998), Taylor was two and Caleb was just two months.  It snowed that year for Cornfest, which was alright, because we weren't really obligated to do anything. We went to the parade and then Caleb and I left for cub scout training in Sterling.

Fast forward thirteen years....now we're obligated! Jared has spent the last twelve years working in the Lion's club hamburger stand, and I wrestle with the kids and try to have fun (it is fun...just tiring). But, the kids are older now, and it's getting easier. Good thing, because we're now there from start to finish.  We begin with the kiddie parade at 9:45 (We don't generally do the fun run at 8am, although one year I did.), then do kiddie games, go to the FFA auction, walk around and see the vendors, go on rides at the firehall, and play street games. (In the past we've also done the Little Mr. or Miss Cornfestival pageant and competed in the Pedal Powere Tractor Pull.)  Around 3:00 the street games are over and we come home and rest. In the evening Jared takes the kids to the Demolition Derby and  I enjoy a quiet house and listen to the General RS Broadcast.  Here are some photos from this year's Cornfest.

Taylor waves to the crowd from the FFA float. 

Isaac, concentrating on catching his egg.  He and his friend Owen were planning to be the egg toss winners this year. Isaac was really disappointed when they lost. (Yes, his hair is blue.  Everyone under the age of twelve dyed their hair with temporary paint. It turned his bath blue that evening.)

We always decorate bikes on Friday night. I'm glad the kids can do it on their own now.

Kenna participating in the shoe kick contest.

Corbin waiting to do the penny scramble, where the kids find pennies in sawdust.